Top 9 Tips to Prevent Water Damage (Part 2)

Top 9 Tips to Prevent Water Damage (Part 2)

Part 2: Protecting Your Home From the Inside

Slow leaks in your plumbing or a burst pipe can cost you. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself and your home.

Understand where water damage begins. Leaks and burst hoses and pipes are the leading cause of water damage in the home. The most common reasons for leaks and bursts are wear and tear over time, and water pressure that is set too high, which puts stress on your home’s plumbing.

Be a Drip Detective. Turn off the main water valve and then check the water meter outside your home. Is it still moving? If so, water is flowing somewhere and it’s time to investigate.

Keep an eye on your water bill. If your water bill is abnormally high, do a complete inspection of your water system.

Check your appliances annually. Inspect your washer, dishwasher and other water-related appliances for worn or damaged hoses at least once a year.

Check your water heater. If you need to replace it, consider moving it to the garage.

Insulate your pipes. Pay particular attention to pipes close to outside walls, attics or crawl spaces where the chance of freezing is greatest. Seal air leaks that are surrounding or near your pipes.

Don’t let your house get too cold. A lower temperature may save you money on your heating bill, but it could be a disaster for you if there’s a cold snap and your pipes burst.

Let your water run. Letting a faucet drip during extreme cold weather can prevent your pipes from bursting. It’s not that a small flow of water prevents freezing because water can freeze even with a slow flow. But by opening up a faucet you’ll provide relief from the excessive pressure that builds between the faucet and the ice blockage.

Learn how to turn off the water. Do you know where the shut-off valve is for your city water supply?